- *If you want to experience a real ancient city from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911) in China – one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history, Pingyao is your ideal choice, a small ancient city in central Shanxi Province.
- *Stay in a luxury boutique courtyard hotel and immerse into the traditional culture of middle of China.
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Destination
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Trip duration
2 days, 1 night
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Min/Max travelers
Min.6
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Transport
Mini bus
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Accommodation
Boutique Hotel
Pingyao is popular among both tourist as well as the expat population for its authentic ancient feeling of the city center whilst being located in relative proximity to Beijing. An ideal break to experience traditional culture and architecture and a relaxed atmosphere with family or friends. This journey will take you to some of Pingyao’s historical buildings and to a magnificent historical courtyard out of town opened by the Chinese equivalent of the Medici or Fugger families.
Listed as a UNESCO World heritage site, Pingyao used to be a financial center of China. Now it is well known for its well-preserved ancient city wall, the city layout and its housing structures in their historical state. The streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical outlook.
The old town of Pingyao is a small town in the central Shanxi Province, only about 4 hours train from Beijing. It would be a nice weekend escape from Beijing to discover the oldest bank in China.
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN PINGYAO
Arrival at Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station, you will be met by our English speaking tour guide and transferred to the old center. Our guide will take you to visit the Ming and Qing Street. Ming and Qing Street, also called Nan Dajie (South Avenue). One of the bustling and interesting streets in which to experience ancient Chinese culture, it is 440 meters long and used to be the commercial center of Pingyao ancient city.
Then you can visit the Armed Escort Company Museum. It offers an eye-opening armed escort in protecting commerce. Cash moving from one area needed the armed escort firm to thwart thieving hands.
In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the earliest bank in China. The company opened its doors in the 18th century and became the first money exchange shop in the history of China.
They day will finalize with a visit to the County Government Office, an ancient city hall and law court. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Food
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Accommodation
Boutique Hotel
Day 2
PINGYAO
After breakfast, you will drive about 60 km Southwards about 60km and pay a visit to Wang's Family Courtyard. The Family Wang was once one of the richest family in Shanxi Province as the padre familias was a very successful business man. The courtyard has hundreds of rooms to meet family needs. Commonly, visitors are especially amazed by the architecture of the huge courtyard house from 300 years ago. From the yard walls, you can also see some old cave dwellings under the wall.
Later on you will visit the Shuanglin temple. This fascinating Buddhist temple houses many incredibly rare and sublimely carved Tang, Song and Yuan painted statues. Rebuilt in 1571, it’s a mesmerizing complex of ancient halls: the interiors of the Sakyamuni Hall and flanking buildings are exquisite.
After this visit you will be transferred back to the train station.
Food
B/-/-
Accommodation
N/A
Shanxi boasts countless cultural treasures awaiting your discovery.
PINGYAO
Boutique Hotel
Nestled amongst dusty curio shops and bustling restaurants in the old walled city of Pingyao is the 19-room Jing's Residence, a small boutique hotel that is located in a nicely-renovated old mansion. The design of the hotel fits in harmoniously with the traditional surroundings of this ancient city.
Shanxi boasts countless cultural treasures awaiting your discovery.
Create the experience of your dream with our travel experts
Make your own trailIncluded
- Accommodation as indicated in the program.
- Meals as described in the program
- Transfers, tours by A/C vehicle and private driver
- Entrance fees as indicated in the program
- Services of a private English-speaking guide
Not Included
- Ticket(s) for international flights / domestic flights / Train
- Tips for services of local guides and drivers
- Optional tours
- Tours & meals not mentioned in the program
- Porterage at the hotels (in and out)
- Chinese Visa
- Expenditures of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.
- Excess luggage surcharge
- Insurance
Payment and Cancellations
- Deposit: 25% of total package to confirm the booking.
- Full payment is due 4 weeks before departure. We reserve the right to release all services in case of payment overdue
- Cancellation policy:
•Between 60 and 30 days prior to arrival : 25% of total amount
•Between 30 and 15 days prior to arrival : 50% of total amount
•Less than 15 days : 100% of total amount
Important notes
Few important details to frame the experience:
- Please note that the itinerary and the order of the visits as described above is subject to change depending on local conditions
- We reserve the right to replace above hotels by other hotels of similar or superior category
- Price is based on shoulder season, Peak/High season supplements may apply during trade fair, public holiday or special events
Shoulder season: Apr, Jun-Aug, Nov, Dec
High season: May, September, October - Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases